EuroAsia Interconnector: HVDC Link Between Israel, Cyprus, and Greece

Overview

Why it matters

The EuroAsia Interconnector represents a transformative infrastructure project for the Eastern Mediterranean energy landscape, primarily due to its unprecedented scale and strategic geopolitical impact. The project is defined by the deployment of the world's longest submarine power cable, a technical feat that spans a total length of 1,208 kilometres (751 mi). This extensive underwater link connects three distinct national grids: Israel, Cyprus, and Greece, thereby creating a continuous high-voltage direct current (HVDC) corridor across the region.

Ending Energy Isolation

A critical significance of the interconnector is its role in ending the energy isolation of Cyprus. Upon completion, Cyprus will become the last European Union member state to achieve full electrical interconnection with the broader European grid. Prior to this project, the island's power system operated largely as an energy island, relying heavily on domestic generation and limited cross-border links. The interconnector provides a direct conduit for power exchange, integrating Cyprus into the synchronized European network and enhancing its market access for electricity trading.

Similarly, the project addresses the energy isolation of Crete. By linking the Cretan grid to the mainland Greek system via Cyprus, the interconnector facilitates the flow of electricity between the Aegean islands and the European continent. This connectivity reduces the reliance on local thermal generation on Crete, allowing for a more diversified energy mix and improved price stability for consumers on the island.

Regional Energy Security

Beyond individual national benefits, the EuroAsia Interconnector enhances regional energy security for the Eastern Mediterranean. The 2,000 MW capacity of the link allows for significant power transfers between the three nations, enabling them to balance supply and demand fluctuations more effectively. This interdependence strengthens grid resilience, as each country can draw on the generation capacity of its neighbors during peak demand periods or unexpected outages.

The integration of the Greek, Cypriot, and Israeli power grids fosters a more cohesive regional energy market. This connectivity supports the integration of variable renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, which are abundant in the region. By linking these diverse generation profiles, the interconnector helps stabilize the overall supply, reducing the need for backup thermal plants and contributing to the decarbonization efforts of the participating countries. The project thus serves as a foundational element for a more integrated and secure energy future in the Eastern Mediterranean.

How does the EuroAsia Interconnector work?

The EuroAsia Interconnector, also known as the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), operates as a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission link connecting the power grids of Israel, Cyprus, and Greece. The system is designed to transport electricity across the Mediterranean Sea using the world's longest submarine power cable infrastructure. The total length of the cable system is 1,208 kilometres (751 mi), comprising a 310-kilometre (190 mi) segment between Israel and Cyprus and an 898-kilometre (558 mi) segment between Cyprus and Greece. This extensive underwater route enables the integration of three distinct national grids, facilitating power exchange between the Eastern Mediterranean and Southern Europe.

The interconnector utilizes HVDC technology to efficiently transmit power over long distances, minimizing electrical losses compared to alternating current systems. The system is rated for a capacity of 2000 MW and operates at a voltage level of 500 kV. It employs a bipolar configuration, which enhances reliability by allowing power flow to continue even if one pole experiences a fault. The infrastructure includes converter stations at each terminal and intermediate points, which convert alternating current from the local grids to direct current for transmission and back to alternating current for distribution.

Technical Parameters

The submarine cables are engineered to withstand the marine environment, with specific depth ratings to protect against fishing activities and ship anchors. The bipolar design ensures that the interconnector can maintain significant power flow even during partial outages, enhancing the resilience of the connected grids. The project is operated by EuroAsia Interconnector Ltd and is scheduled for commissioning in 2029. This infrastructure represents a major step in regional energy integration, linking the energy markets of the Eastern Mediterranean with the broader European network.

What are the energy contexts of Israel, Cyprus, and Greece?

The EuroAsia Interconnector addresses the structural energy isolation of Israel, Cyprus, and Greece. Historically, these Mediterranean nations relied heavily on imported fossil fuels, creating vulnerability to price volatility and supply disruptions. The discovery of significant natural gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean has transformed the regional energy landscape, offering opportunities for greater self-sufficiency and export potential. However, without robust interconnection, these resources remain somewhat siloed, limiting their strategic value for grid stability and economic integration.

Key Natural Gas Discoveries

The development of the EuroAsia Interconnector is closely tied to major natural gas finds in the region. These discoveries have positioned the three countries as emerging energy hubs, reducing dependency on external suppliers and enabling potential exports to Europe and beyond.

These gas fields, particularly Leviathan in Israel and Aphrodite in Cyprus, have spurred investment in infrastructure to harness and distribute the resource. The interconnector facilitates the integration of these energy sources into a broader grid, enhancing reliability and enabling more efficient use of natural gas for power generation. This connectivity is crucial for balancing supply and demand across the three nations, supporting economic growth and energy security in the Eastern Mediterranean.

History and development

The EuroAsia Interconnector, also designated as the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), represents a major infrastructure initiative linking the power grids of Israel, Cyprus, and Greece. The project is executed by EuroAsia Interconnector Ltd and aims to establish a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link with a total capacity of 2000 MW. The infrastructure includes the world's longest submarine power cable system, comprising a 310 km segment between Israel and Cyprus and an 898 km segment between Cyprus and Greece, totaling 1,208 km of cable length. The project is scheduled for commissioning in 2029.

Project Inception and Tripartite Agreements

The conceptual development of the interconnector began with a formal announcement in 2012. This initial phase involved tripartite agreements among the energy authorities of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel to integrate their respective national grids. The strategic objective was to enhance energy security and facilitate the exchange of electricity between the three Mediterranean nations. The project structure relies on a public-private partnership model, with EuroAsia Interconnector Ltd serving as the primary operator responsible for the engineering, procurement, and construction phases.

EU Funding and Construction Milestones

Significant financial support has been secured from the European Union to advance the project from feasibility studies to physical construction. EU funding approvals have been critical in covering the substantial capital expenditure required for the submarine cable systems and land-based converter stations. The project is currently under construction, with milestones focused on the laying of the submarine cables across the Mediterranean Sea. The 2029 commissioning date reflects the timeline for completing the 1,208 km cable network and integrating the HVDC technology into the national grids of all three countries. The interconnector is designed to handle mixed energy sources, facilitating the flow of renewable and conventional power between the regions.

What are the economic and environmental benefits?

The EuroAsia Interconnector is designed to deliver substantial environmental and socio-economic advantages by linking the electricity markets of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel. A primary environmental benefit is the reduction of CO2 emissions through the integration of renewable energy sources. The interconnection allows for the export of solar and wind power from Cyprus and Israel to the Greek grid, reducing the reliance on fossil fuel-based generation in each country. This exchange helps balance the variable nature of renewables, enhancing grid stability and allowing for a higher penetration of clean energy across the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Socio-Economic Benefits

From an economic perspective, the project fosters greater energy security and market competition. By connecting three national grids, the interconnector enables electricity trading, which can lead to more competitive wholesale prices for consumers in all three countries. The project also stimulates investment in the regional energy infrastructure, creating jobs during the construction phase and potentially reducing energy import costs for Cyprus, which has historically relied heavily on oil and natural gas imports. The integration supports the economic development of the Eastern Mediterranean by creating a more resilient and interconnected energy market.

Renewable Energy Integration

The EuroAsia Interconnector plays a crucial role in integrating renewable energy sources into the regional power mix. The long submarine cables, totaling 1,208 kilometres, facilitate the transmission of power over significant distances, allowing each country to leverage its specific renewable resources. For instance, Cyprus can export its abundant solar power, while Greece can provide hydropower and wind energy. This diversification enhances the overall efficiency of the regional energy system and supports the transition towards a more sustainable energy future for the participating nations.

Current status and challenges

The EuroAsia Interconnector, officially designated as the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), remains in a state of operational uncertainty despite its classification as under construction. The project, which aims to link the power grids of Israel, Cyprus, and Greece via high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology, faces significant geopolitical and logistical hurdles that have disrupted its original timeline.

Geopolitical Objections

A primary challenge to the interconnector's progress stems from objections raised by Turkey. The submarine cable route traverses contested areas of the Eastern Mediterranean, leading to diplomatic friction. Turkish authorities have expressed concerns regarding the exclusive economic zones and the strategic implications of the energy corridor, which bypasses Turkish infrastructure. These objections have introduced a layer of political risk that complicates the permitting and laying processes for the submarine sections.

Project Suspension and Delays

In 2025, the project experienced a notable suspension, marking a significant deviation from its initial trajectory. This pause was driven by the convergence of the aforementioned geopolitical tensions and evolving technical assessments. The original commissioning date of 2029 now appears increasingly optimistic, with stakeholders acknowledging that completion may extend beyond this target. The suspension reflects the complex interplay between energy infrastructure development and regional stability.

The EuroAsia Interconnector Ltd continues to manage the project, but the path to connecting the 1,208-kilometre cable network remains fraught with challenges. The delay underscores the vulnerability of large-scale energy interdependencies to external political factors.

References

1. EuroAsia Interconnector - Cyprus Power Transmission Company (CPTC)
2. EuroAsia Interconnector - Israel Electric Corporation (IEC)
3. EuroAsia Interconnector - National Grid ESO (UK/Greece side coordination)
4. EuroAsia Interconnector - European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E)

See also

• Pacific DC Intertie: HVDC Transmission from the Pacific Northwest to Los Angeles
• Power plants in the Netherlands
• Flywheel frequency regulation
• Eastern Interconnection: North America's primary AC power grid
• Fast frequency regulation